tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20577541169861568472014-10-03T08:54:56.056+01:00Peter Hough - "This is how it is!"Welcome to my blog. I'll be writing about the things that interest me - and interest you too. There will be less political commentary and more on other issues. These will include my trials and tribulations with the publishing world, personal views and experiences, and strange unexplained phenomena...Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-31879168898691215802013-11-12T16:16:00.000+00:002013-11-15T16:58:37.796+00:00Shangaied in China - did Judith Chalmers and I witness the end of Communism?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYWNWkDgu08/UoJE3Ak8ylI/AAAAAAAAAN8/qr58PUffx0o/s1600/judith+chalmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYWNWkDgu08/UoJE3Ak8ylI/AAAAAAAAAN8/qr58PUffx0o/s1600/judith+chalmers.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met Judith Chalmers at dinner</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Four internal flights, one over-night train journey, a four day cruise on the Yangtze River and hundreds of miles by coach saw us travelling across a good chunk of China in a month long tour. We travelled from Beijing in the north, to Dali near the Tibetan border in the﻿﻿ south west, and Shanghai in the east. We&nbsp;experienced the sights, smells and sounds, and met and talked to a number of Chinese along the way - oh, and then there was&nbsp;UK travel icon, Judith Chalmers...</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">It was only a few years ago that Katie Melua sang 'there are nine million bicycles in Beijing', but most of them are gone now, replaced by motorcycles and ten million cars,&nbsp;contributing to the debilitating veil of pollution that hangs over the city. The thing that impressed me the most wasn't The Great Wall, or the Terracotta Warriors (impressive though they are) but the&nbsp;economical, social and political speed of change that&nbsp;threatens to render&nbsp;any comments and observations as out-of-date as soon as they are recorded.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"></span><br />﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvv3CLl8bS0/UoJGO6c-5kI/AAAAAAAAAOI/S6kLJgh1Gys/s1600/CHINA+2013+1+208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvv3CLl8bS0/UoJGO6c-5kI/AAAAAAAAAOI/S6kLJgh1Gys/s320/CHINA+2013+1+208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street outside our hotel in Beijing</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">We arrived in Beijing and were taken on a sight-seeing tour of Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City. This was the only time I felt we were deliberately fed Government propaganda. Our local guide sought to white-wash the Tienanmen Square Massacre where hundreds if not thousands of protesting students were killed by the army in 1989. He suggested the&nbsp;number of deaths&nbsp;was much smaller, and that no one actually saw who carried out the attacks. Was it white-wash or in denial through national shame?&nbsp;Another guide told us that since the massacre, the police and the army are no longer armed on the streets of Beijing, to help prevent a similar atrocity, suggesting that the eight different factions that make up the Communist Party aren't always in tune.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Our Beijing guide was also supportive of the unelected regime that rules China. He likened it to a board of directors running a powerful company. "Directors aren't elected," he told me smugly, "they are appointed." </span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">"Yes," I countered, "and the share-holders here can't&nbsp;call for the directors to stand down when they've made a mistake!"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Other Chinese people we spoke to made it very clear: <em>China is no longer a communist country, it's a capitalist dictatorship</em>.</span>﻿﻿﻿﻿<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twGwYW65rLI/UoJDa01wQII/AAAAAAAAANw/fIXTS8GxRqY/s1600/TIENANMEN+BOMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twGwYW65rLI/UoJDa01wQII/AAAAAAAAANw/fIXTS8GxRqY/s1600/TIENANMEN+BOMB.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were photographed here days before the bomb went off</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">A photograph was taken of our group across from the&nbsp;entrance to the Forbidden City in ﻿﻿﻿﻿front of Chairman Mao's portrait. Days later at this same spot, a Muslim family of suicide bombers from the western region of Xinjiang detonated a bomb in their car, killing two tourists and injuring around forty more. More bombs followed in other parts of China. Apparently the Muslims are complaining of suppression - as are the Tibetans. The view from the West is that the main Chinese Han population don't like their ethnic minorities.&nbsp;But our local guide in the ancient town of Dali told us how they and other minorities were not limited&nbsp;by the single child policy, and that girls could marry at thirteen, and boys at fifteen - an ancient tradition, although it would be a criminal offence in the West! She felt they were being treated fairly by the majority Han. </span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FREEDOM OF SPEECH - WELL, SORT OF</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvHhc_Hz7Ik/UoJI_7yEEyI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Xs3_SkzaUK0/s1600/CHINA+2013+5+258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvHhc_Hz7Ik/UoJI_7yEEyI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Xs3_SkzaUK0/s320/CHINA+2013+5+258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new China - a demonstration takes place as we passed</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Despite the control freakery of the Chinese dictatorship, things have loosened up quite a bit over the last few years. Another of our guides described how,&nbsp;just six years ago, a Communist Party official would sit at the back of the coach, making notes of what he told&nbsp;tourists. "Even three years ago," he explained, If some of the things I've said today had been reported to the authorities, I would have been replaced with a new guide. Now, no one cares. You can say what you like, criticise the government, officials, even the President, Xi Jinping - as long as you don't start a revolution!"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Face Book is blocked in China, as&nbsp;are other parts of the world wide web - including this blog site! This doesn't stop many citizens from finding a way around it. Everyone we met revered the BBC. The authorities have&nbsp;created their own social networking site, and as one guide gleefully told us, it has been used to great effect to&nbsp;nail corrupt officials and get them behind bars.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Young people are keen to emulate the West - not always following the best traditions. Reading some preparatory literature before we left for China, we were told that shorts must be below the knee, and dresses down to the ankles. Imagine our surprise then&nbsp;on going out into the streets of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai&nbsp;and other major cities, to see young women wearing very short skirts and tall stiletto heels. It was&nbsp;almost like Liverpool on a Saturday night! That's how quickly social change is happening in China.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Despite a degree of freedom of speech on the streets and online - the media is still in the grip of the State. Chinese Communist Television (CCTV) seemed obsessed with two topics. One was endless war dramas that seemed to depict fighting between the Chinese and the Japanese (still enemy number one) - these inevitably involved someone strapped to a table being tortured - and the other were cloned versions of <em>The X Factor</em>, <em>The Voice</em> and <em>China's Got Talent</em>! No one on these shows - including the judges, was over thirty. Carl Marx said that religion was the opiate of the people, but I think the Chinese authorities have hit on a new opiate - <em>The X Factor</em>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE YOUNG ONES</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've never seen so many iPads on the street! There is a huge cultural gap between the under thirty-fives and their parents. The younger generation, many of whom are university educated - almost despise their uneducated parents. They have little in common with them. East has met West, and the youngsters like it, but their parents don't understand it. Generally, the younger generation are polite, while the older ones spit on the streets and&nbsp;push past to get ahead in the queue. There is no word in Mandarin for 'please'.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our national guide apologised for the behaviour of the older Chinese. "It's not in our culture to consider other people, to give way to others like you do from the West. We are different because we've had lessons in manners, and how to behave towards others."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The young Chinese were on the whole courteous, allowing us out of lifts first, stepping aside etc. However, on a bus I did see one elderly Chinese gentleman offer to give up his seat to an English woman who was standing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Education doesn't come cheap even in China -&nbsp;students have to pay tuition fees. They can't go on to university either unless they've attained a high grade in English. The young Chinese have also adopted a Western name along with their own. I thought this was for the tourists, but our guide said it was necessary as part of the Chinese people's integration with the West! He told me with pride that his daughter had just chosen her Western name at nursery school. Studying the history of the British democratic system and that of the USA is mandatory too - what are the Chinese authorities up to?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION THAT HAS BLIGHTED CHINA</span><br />﻿<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5PUaBE4LFs/UoJJ5t_8fKI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pZLsZCmOwoU/s1600/CHINA+2013+222+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5PUaBE4LFs/UoJJ5t_8fKI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pZLsZCmOwoU/s320/CHINA+2013+222+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Terracotta Warriors could have been destroyed by the Red Army</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There's no argument in China about the so-called 'Cultural Revolution' - everyone is in ﻿﻿agreement that it was one of the worst things inflicted on the country. Schools were closed, opponents murdered and much of the country's cultural heritage was vandalised and destroyed by the Red Army. Yet they don't blame the architect of the communist state, Mao Tse Tung. Mao was led astray, they told us, he was ill advised and suffering from Parkinson's disease.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Apart from the human cost, the terrible legacy is that most of the Buddhist temples and pagodas that we were taken to view have been restored, or rebuilt&nbsp;after Mao's death in 1975. When we visited the Terracotta Warriors our guide told us they were discovered in 1974 towards the end of the Cultural Revolution. A professor who examined the initial find contacted the President directly, telling him that it was highly significant. He sent the regular army to guard the site, knowing that the Red Army would destroy it if it was left unprotected.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE WORST THINGS AND THE BEST THINGS ABOUT CHINA</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSAhnyDgdHo/UoJKtRr5mhI/AAAAAAAAAOo/UPm3eUmkZVE/s1600/CHINA+2013+1+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSAhnyDgdHo/UoJKtRr5mhI/AAAAAAAAAOo/UPm3eUmkZVE/s320/CHINA+2013+1+086.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda and I&nbsp;walked a section of The Great Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The worst thing is the pollution.&nbsp;The authorities do recognise&nbsp;the problem, and say they are starting to tackle it. We were besieged in some provinces by it, and were&nbsp;never sure whether it was just autumn mist or the pollution from coal fired power stations. Also the march of urbanisation with the unbridled rise of skyscrapers, rising up overnight like fields of mushrooms. Every where we went huge cranes clad the skyline. On the five hour drive from Shanghai to Suzhou we saw no countryside, just urban sprawl linking the two places. Another thing we didn't like was the huge crowds of people everywhere. With Beijing having the same population as Australia - you can see why there is a problem.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One of the best things is that we hardly saw or heard any dogs, because they virtually don't exist in China. One reason is because they end up on the dinner table, and the other is that before you own a dog you have to apply for a licence - which costs around £30 a year, on wages much lower than in the UK.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We really did enjoy the cruise on the Yangtze River, passing through the picturesque Three Gorges, and the Terracotta Warriors were fascinating. We even managed a three kilometre walk up and down a part of the Great Wall. We loved the old part of Dali (no high rise buildings), with its wonderful streets filled with restaurants and traders. Then there was Suzhou - known as the 'Venice of the East'. We had a lovely evening wandering along the old waterfront and sitting outside a bar with a couple of pals from our group.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OQo0uyRx8g/UoJLZlKiiII/AAAAAAAAAOw/SiIGt5HgTio/s1600/CHINA+2013+5+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OQo0uyRx8g/UoJLZlKiiII/AAAAAAAAAOw/SiIGt5HgTio/s320/CHINA+2013+5+215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanghai shines while other cities suffer power cuts</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Shanghai was all posing with its very impressive light displays (costing a £100,000 in electricity every night - in a country that routinely&nbsp;suffers power cuts), the old&nbsp;architecture of the Bund (modelled from the buildings on Liverpool's water front), and the maglev train that moves on a cushion of electromagnetism (a British invention that&nbsp;our Government was not interested in developing!). We reached a speed of 431 kilometres an hour, and hardly felt a thing! Similarly we went up in the world's fastest lift - 83 storeys in 12 seconds - and didn't even feel it braking...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DINNER WITH JUDITH CHALMERS</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />﻿<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jTnEYM14R0/UoJMT3XA-ZI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-Nxw5MEHv7U/s1600/CHINA+2013+1+367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2jTnEYM14R0/UoJMT3XA-ZI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-Nxw5MEHv7U/s320/CHINA+2013+1+367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest LCD screen in the world (probably)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was when we were in the city of Xian, having dinner, that we noticed Judith Chalmers on the next table. She was with a group from the same tour company, and afterwards we all went to view the fabulous lights, statues and water features in the city, along with the largest aerial LCD screen in the world, making night turn to day, with visions of birds and aeroplanes 'flying' overhead! Judith, apparently was here to write some travel features.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We went with Wendy Wu, and the tour&nbsp;ran like clockwork, all the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and the staff in the hotels were very professional. Not always in the breakfast room however, which seemed to have clapped-out toasters and a line of command which was hard to follow if you wanted more bread or orange juice. We weren't always enamoured with the banquets when eating out either - although we had some very good meals too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All in all we had a fascinating time, but when you're sometimes getting up at six in the morning to catch a flight - it was more an experience than a holiday!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b>Read my paranormal thriller; <i>Stench of Evil</i> only from Amazon:</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; e<span style="font-size: x-small;">B</span>ook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback &amp; eBook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-49907023585691165182013-04-02T16:45:00.001+01:002013-04-02T16:45:23.471+01:00John Taylor - Guilty of murder...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After a month long trial, undertaker John Taylor, has been found </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-21941711"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">guilty</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> of the murder of his missing wife, Alethea.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw0PB_Fy2EQ/UVr4MJf41QI/AAAAAAAAAMY/6QNOTpeadz8/s1600/TAYLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw0PB_Fy2EQ/UVr4MJf41QI/AAAAAAAAAMY/6QNOTpeadz8/s1600/TAYLOR.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Readers may remember my previous blog on the matter; <em><a href="http://peterhoughblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012_01_01_archive.html">The Search for Alethea Taylor</a></em>, where I recounted how my wife and I helped look&nbsp;for the missing woman while we were taking a caravanning break in the north Herefordshire village of Orleton, where the couple lived.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In&nbsp;that original blog, of over a year ago, I was careful of what I wrote, knowing that there was the likelihood of a trial. Now that Taylor is starting a seventeen year prison sentence, I am able to add some comments.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Orleton&nbsp;is a small community, and most of those living there knew the couple personally. While we were out that winter's day with the villagers, combing the fields and woods for signs of Mrs Taylor, various comments were made and theories expressed as to what had happened to her. But each of these theories had their contradictions. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was suggested the pair had rowed, and she had left him and gone to stay&nbsp;with a friend or distant relative. Yet her car was still on the drive, and the CCTV on the local bus didn't record her getting onboard. The favourite theory was that she had wandered off into the surrounding countryside, become disorientated and had either got lost, or had an accident.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This theory&nbsp;came about because according to the locals, Alethea had recently been suffering from episodes of amnesia.&nbsp;She would leave the house, then not recognise her surroundings, and been unable to find her way home. Apparently, on about three occasions, she had been returned to her husband after wandering off. Yet no one knew where these stories had originated, and conversely, we were told that she was an active member of the village amateur dramatic society, and&nbsp;was a prompter for their current play - just prior to her disappearance.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We thought at the time, if someone was planning a murder, how helpful it would be to deflect attention if it was put about that the intended victim was suffering early-onset dementia. By the time&nbsp;the story&nbsp;had travelled around the community, the originator would be forgotten.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Taylor's response to his wife's disappearance was odd too. Someone asked: 'How's&nbsp;John bearing up?' The reply was that he was busy with two funerals, and wasn't joining in the search because he didn't want to let the families down. Bearing in mind that on the face of it, Alethea could have fallen into a ditch and broken her leg, this was strange behaviour indeed!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NzURmR5N8E/UVr4SQSKv5I/AAAAAAAAAMg/JC596Yl7raI/s1600/ALETHEA+TAYLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NzURmR5N8E/UVr4SQSKv5I/AAAAAAAAAMg/JC596Yl7raI/s1600/ALETHEA+TAYLOR.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yet - the possibility that Taylor had murdered her was the elephant in the room. No one suggested it - at least to us - either during the search or in the village hall where we had refreshments -&nbsp;but it was high up on our list. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The contradictions and Taylor's behaviour all pointed in that direction. It's hard to think the worst of people whom you know, and courteous perhaps not to voice your suspicions in public. Yet I believe many of the villagers were genuinely shocked when police arrested Taylor and charged him with murder.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To date, Mrs Taylor's remains have not been discovered - and Taylor isn't saying how he disposed of them. I hope they are found, so the relatives and friends of Alethea can find some degree of closure.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b>Read my paranormal thriller; <i>Stench of Evil</i> only from Amazon:</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; e<span style="font-size: x-small;">B</span>ook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback &amp; eBook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></span></span></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-45282831582473174162013-03-20T12:45:00.000+00:002013-03-20T14:04:16.840+00:00Bill Roache: Instant karma's gonna get you!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Coronation Street</em> veteran Bill Roache who plays Ken Barlow has attracted criticism for voicing his beliefs that the bad things that happen to us in this life, are punishment for how we behaved in previous lives.</span></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IAZoX_xPoo/UUmsN9MWMhI/AAAAAAAAAME/STNbMPYQh_U/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IAZoX_xPoo/UUmsN9MWMhI/AAAAAAAAAME/STNbMPYQh_U/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The media have tied these comments specifically to victims of child abuse, saying in effect, that Roache believes that this is their punishment for past misdemeanours. Football manager, Glen Hoddle, made similar comments in 1999 which were tied to disabled people. Like Hoddle, Bill Roache has since apologised, and back peddled on his original comments.</span><br /><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But in a free and democratic society, should either have to apologise for expressing their spiritual beliefs?</span></em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hinduism has a belief in rebirth, and the law of 'karma' - that the soul must keep returning to mortal existence, until it has learned all the lessons of life on the earthly plane. When a person becomes truly spiritual - the state of 'Nirvana', that individual will then progress and dwell in paradise. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Veda says that karma is not punishment or retribution, but a consequence of ones actions - cause and effect in other words, action and reaction on the spiritual level. This 'consequence' can be mitigated by good deeds and acts. The Bible also says: 'As you sow, so you shall reap'. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcnA9BPq_qU/UUmsfORVJrI/AAAAAAAAAMI/129ybUu9B0o/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcnA9BPq_qU/UUmsfORVJrI/AAAAAAAAAMI/129ybUu9B0o/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcnA9BPq_qU/UUmsfORVJrI/AAAAAAAAAMI/129ybUu9B0o/s1600/download.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By extension, the belief in karma, can be applied to any horror or bad luck visited on people. This is where Bill Roache and the likes of Glen Hoddle become unstuck. We naturally feel&nbsp;empathy for individuals who have difficulties physically, or who are victims of the evil acts of others. So to imply, through a spiritual belief, that they brought it on themselves&nbsp;through their own actions in a previous life can seem outrageous -&nbsp;and unfair.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But even so, should people&nbsp;who hold&nbsp;such beliefs have the&nbsp;full force&nbsp;of the media machine brought down on their heads like a retribution of biblical proportions? Why can't we just shrug our shoulders and say:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'It's a point of view. There are other points of view'.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Glen Hoddle was sacked. I hope the same doesn't happen to Bill Roache. In most cases,&nbsp;there is no correlation between what&nbsp;people believe, and how well they perform in their jobs. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Free speech? It's seems it's allowed as long as it doesn't offend anyone.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b>Read my paranormal thriller; <i>Stench of Evil</i> only from Amazon:</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; e<span style="font-size: x-small;">B</span>ook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback &amp; eBook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-29772490267973037402013-02-06T17:12:00.001+00:002013-02-06T17:18:06.265+00:00Chris Huhne - Despite our expectations, are politicians human too?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The other day a friend forwarded to me an email that was doing the rounds. It highlighted supposed statistics that listed crimes like drink-driving, shop lifting, bankruptcy and 'spouse abuse', with figures for each one. According to the anonymous compiler of the email, these corresponded to the 635 members of the House of Commons.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No doubt this email, and similar anonymous 'statistics' on FaceBook will reinforce the popular view that our politicians are all corrupt, and only in it for themselves. But we need to ask the questions: Who is the anonymous&nbsp;compiler?&nbsp;Are the figures accurate? If they are, over what period were they collected; was it&nbsp;over the last year, the term of this parliament, in the last ten years, or longer than that? How many of the MPs&nbsp;do they apply to (some may be serial offenders!).</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For sake of argument, let's accept they are substantially correct, certainly there always seems to be some story or other in the media about 'crooked' MPs (and in UKIPs case - MEPs). If the figures&nbsp;are true, are they significant, or do they merely seem that way because any misdemeanour, series or slight, attracts the press like moths to a flame?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAUkKA7Tn8s/URKJxRNYTlI/AAAAAAAAALs/GpjNuQfKTJ0/s1600/HUHNE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAUkKA7Tn8s/URKJxRNYTlI/AAAAAAAAALs/GpjNuQfKTJ0/s200/HUHNE.jpg" width="184" /></a>If you took a random sample of adults from any profession or trade and put them under a&nbsp;similar spotlight, you would&nbsp;probably&nbsp;find that an equal number have also committed fraud, shop lifted, been arrested for illegal drugs - and swapped speeding points with their partners. According to the AA - Chris Huhne is one of a third of a million of motorists in the UK guilty of this crime.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without letting them off the hook, <span style="font-size: small;">d</span></span>oes the reaction to Huhne, and other MPs who have run foul of the law, highlight the hypocrisy that the public <span style="font-size: small;">show </span>when it comes to&nbsp;judging elected representatives?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think it's time we admitted that&nbsp;politicians are human too, and humans can be morally weak and corrupt. <i>So why on earth would we expect them to be any different from the rest of us?</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Along with this hypocrisy, is another sin - tarring every politician with the same brush. To say 'they're all crooked, and only in it for what they can get out of it', isn't fair or even true. I should know, I was a politician - albeit a local councillor, but I've met a few MPs and got to know some of them.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, there are bad apples, but most work hard and make decisions they believe will improve things for their constituents and the country at large.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The difference between you and your MP is that apart from your family and friends, no one is interested in your misdemeanours. You won't get your phone hacked, the contents of your wheelie bin examined or a journalist put on your tail to probe every shady corner of your life.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b>Read my paranormal thriller; <i>Stench of Evil</i>&nbsp;only from Amazon:</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; e<span style="font-size: x-small;">B</span>ook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback &amp; eBook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-26264770163680284522012-08-01T14:04:00.000+01:002012-08-01T14:04:43.731+01:00Government records cast fresh light on missing pilot Frederick Valentich hounded by UFO<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1987 Jenny Randles and I published our first book together: <em>Death By Supernatural Causes?</em> In it, we discused the case of missing airman, Frederich Valentich, who disappeared while apparently being hounded by a UFO on the 21 October 1978. </span></span></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfay8u3nyUw/UBkcynYc0fI/AAAAAAAAAKo/qsn-mV5Qo8I/s1600/LPs+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfay8u3nyUw/UBkcynYc0fI/AAAAAAAAAKo/qsn-mV5Qo8I/s200/LPs+043.jpg" width="156" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now this case has come back to haunt us with the recent release of Government files in Australia. Information they contain casts new light on the mystery. </span>The 315 pages of documents, released under the Freedom of Information Act, contain official interviews with the father, friends and superiors of the doomed pilot, as well as a clue to what <em>didn’t</em> happen.<br /><br />Valentich was twenty when he took off in his Cessna 182L from Moorabbin Airport near Melbourne at 6.19pm on the twenty-first of October, 1978. He was flying to King Island, he said, to pick up crayfish and three passengers.<br /><br />At 7.06pm he contacted Steve Robey, air traffic controller at Melbourne, and asked him if there was any known traffic nearby, as he had sighted a large ‘aircraft’. Robey said there was nothing, and asked him to describe it. He said it had four bright lights on it, and had passed overhead. Valentich went on to describe how it played cat and mouse with him, appearing and disappearing at speeds he ‘couldn’t identify’. The pilot then said ‘it’s not an aircraft... as its flying past, it’s a long shape’. In response to Robey, the young man went on to say: ‘It seems like its stationary. What I’m doing right now is orbiting, and the thing is just orbiting on top of me. Also it’s got a green light and sort of metallic... it’s all shiny on the outside’.<br /><br />Valentich then reported that the object had vanished, but seconds later that it was approaching from the south-west. His aircraft was now playing up: ‘The engine is rough idling... and the thing is coughing.’ Robey asked him what his intentions were, and Valentich said he would continue to King Island. His final words were:</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;‘Melbourne, that strange aircraft is hovering on top of me again. It is hovering, and it’s not an aircraft...’</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxOhjDbEryk/UBkfMLEDz1I/AAAAAAAAAKw/LjguGu39uQk/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxOhjDbEryk/UBkfMLEDz1I/AAAAAAAAAKw/LjguGu39uQk/s200/images.jpg" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What followed were twelve seconds of a metallic scraping noise and then communication was lost.<br /><br />An intense air and sea rescue ensued, but despite calm conditions, neither wreckage nor a body was found. It was suggested that the pilot had become disorientated in the dark and misidentified the lights from a lighthouse on Cape Otway, or that he had been fooled by a bright star or planet in the clear sky, although none of that matched what he had described. Frederick Valentich and his aircraft had disappeared into thin air.<br /><br />The files illustrate that all who knew the young man had good words for him. Robert Barnes, an Airforce Reservist, who tutored Valentich for some of his flying exams, said he had a responsible attitude towards flying, he was always friendly and showed respect, and rarely criticised anyone, and was a real ‘battler’ when it came to exams.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His friend Gregory Reaburn said Valentich was very strict with alcohol and didn’t take drugs. In fact Reaburn suggested that Valentich would report anyone on illegal substances to the police. He said the young man was not prone to hasty decisions or panic, and while he believed in UFOs, he wasn’t fanatical about it. Valentich had never been in trouble with the police, and had no financial problems. Guido Valentich, the pilot’s father, said that his son always did his share of chores around the house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the files revealed that there was another side to Frederick Valentich. Despite his enthusm and hard work, academically he was a disappointment. After failing to get into the RAAF, he decided to study to gain his Commercial Pilot Licence. He passed three preliminary exams - but then failed a further eight. Yet he told his friends and tutors he had passed, although he did admit to his girl friend, Rhonda Rushton, that he had lied. Was this because he was ashamed and embarrassed, or was it a character trait that might, for instance, encourage him to make up a close encounter with a UFO?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He had also been in trouble with the authorities for straying into controlled air space, and twice deliberately flying into cloud. Prosecution was being considered for this latter misdemeanour.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were things about the trip which didn’t add up too. He hadn’t arranged for the airfield on King Island to switch on their landing lights. Squadron Leader Grandy had asked him to bring back some crayfish – but Valentich had not ordered any. He took four lifejackets for the passengers he was supposedly picking up, but there were no passengers waiting for him on King Island. Valentich told his girlfriend he would meet her at 7.30pm, when he wouldn’t be back from the trip until much later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rhonda saw him on the Friday night, and said he ‘wasn’t himself’. He had also told her previously, that if a UFO landed he would go aboard – although not without her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His interest in UFOs, coupled with all the other discrepancies led people to consider that he had either committed suicide or had chosen to disappear by landing the aircraft elsewhere. It had a full tank of fuel which would carry him as far as Tasmania. The apparent close encounter with a UFO added drama, and ensured he went out with a bang.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rhonda had described how on one flight with her boyfriend, the control column had jammed, and he had sweated profusely as he struggled to land, the stress manifesting in his voice. This has been contrasted with the apparent calmness of Valentich while describing the UFO. Surely if it was real, he would have been showing some emotion? The audio tape has never been aired publicly, but Steve Robey, the Air Traffic Controller that night is adamant that in his view, Valentich did become agitated, and that he sounded genuine, not making something up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyNxbxp2Tqc/UBkfPiErGtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/kG-exKmWHGs/s1600/VALENTICH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EyNxbxp2Tqc/UBkfPiErGtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/kG-exKmWHGs/s1600/VALENTICH.jpg" /></a>If it was a tragic accident due to disorientation, or suicide, where was the wreckage that everyone expected to find floating on the calm sea? Where was the body? If he had landed the aircraft elsewhere – how had he kept it hidden? If it had crashed on land, why had anyone not found it in the intervening three decades or more? And what was Frederick Valentich’s motive? He was scared of water – surely he could have found a better way of killing himself? He had a loving family, friends, and a girlfriend he had a good relationship with. His flying career wasn’t working out – but is that a motive for suicide?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the first time the released files provide proof that whatever did happen to Valentich, he <em>didn’t</em> abscond. Nearly five years after the disappearance, an engine cowl flap was washed up from a Cessna of the type Valentich was flying. More than this, it had a partial set of serial numbers on it that were within the range of the missing aircraft. No other similar aircraft had gone missing in the region, so it is safe to assume it is from the Cessna.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Valentich attended a lecture just before his flight, and his instructor, Bob Hope, told investigators that the young man was sober, and in a good frame of mind. The possibility is still there that he was taken by a UFO. He had said he wouldn’t go without his girlfriend – but perhaps Frederick Valentich had no choice...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>PS: <em>Death By Supernatural Causes?</em> was updated and due to be released under a new publisher in 2000 - but just before it went to press, the company went under! We are hoping to put it out (updated) as an ebook sometime next year... </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In the meantime...</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><strong>Read my paranormal thriller; Stench of Evil&nbsp;only from Amazon:</strong></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-35737594410191428122012-07-16T18:20:00.000+01:002012-07-18T10:35:31.982+01:00The day the music died... Marc Bolan unplugged!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Talking about Paul McCarney and Spruce Springclean having the plug pulled on them in Hyde Park, reminded me of the time I went to see T.Rex at the old cinema in Wigan. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was 1971 (I was only a child), and the band were promoting <em>Electric Warrior</em> - the album that made Marc Bolan a rock god. The band were in full swing to a packed audience. Many had left their seats and were crowded together at the front 'freaking out' to the music, when suddenly all the power&nbsp;onstage went and the sound died. A Ted Heath look-alike wearing a suit and bow tie appeared beside Bolan, and taking the microphone from the soon to be legend,&nbsp;demanded that everyone returned to their seats otherwise&nbsp;the concert wouldn't continue!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIofPjMIYGs/UARKjxgjS9I/AAAAAAAAAKE/MSLW1AJAe0w/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIofPjMIYGs/UARKjxgjS9I/AAAAAAAAAKE/MSLW1AJAe0w/s1600/images.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bolan's jaw dropped, but he kept his cool (I think he was high on something), and put his arm around the cinema manager, assuring 'Ted' that he would ask them to sit down, and that it wouldn't happen again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The power was switched back on, and the concert resumed without further problems. T.Rex had been treated like a Saturday night pub band. Who would believe it! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often wondered if, as Bolan became a household name, whether the manager concluded in retrospect that he had over reacted, and might have treated Bolan with a bit more respect? But then again, in light of what happened to Sir Paul...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Read my paranormal thriller; <em>Stench of Evil</em> available only from Amazon:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</a></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-66227730990658905602012-05-09T10:24:00.000+01:002012-05-09T11:22:53.860+01:00When we almost got caught taking pictures in a public toilet<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We were on a camp site in Beddgelert Forest in North Wales. On one of my trips to the toilet block, I thought how often it happens that someone goes into the cubicle next to yours – even when the others are empty. Then I began thinking, supposing that there was a purpose to it, and that the person doing it was stalking you for something bad you’d done.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over the next day I had almost the entire plot of a story in my head, including the title. I began writing it in the caravan, and finished it while we were on a cruise to the Arctic Circle a week or so later. The urge to write it down was so strong, that it interrupted work on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Devil Inside</i>, the sequel to my novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/peterhoughauthor/books/book-news">Stench of Evil</a></i>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.2pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2zbSqseubE/T5WBXNGNFoI/AAAAAAAAAJw/XzK7ziD8Vpc/s1600/THE+CUBICLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2zbSqseubE/T5WBXNGNFoI/AAAAAAAAAJw/XzK7ziD8Vpc/s320/THE+CUBICLE.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photograph almost got us arrested!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For the eBook publication, I also had to create a cover illustration. I knew what I wanted – a cubicle door ajar, with a hand gripping it. While we were still in North Wales, and I was halfway through the story, we visited a town (which shall remain nameless) and parked near to a public toilet. It was a quiet day. We had the camera, so we could get some photographs of me gripping a cubicle door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was a possibility of us being caught of course. Imagine someone walking in and my wife’s taking flash photographs of me! Who would believe the explanation? If that did happen, I decided it would be a lesser crime if Linda was caught in the men’s loos, rather than me in the lady’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I told her to wait outside while I went in to make sure the coast was clear. It was, but as I came out a man brushed past me in a uniform. His van was immediately outside and it was obvious from the writing on it that he was from the council, and was inspecting the facilities! If he’d come just two minutes later...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">﻿﻿We waited for him to depart, then like a military exercise, we dove inside and quickly (very quickly) took some shots. The results are here to see.&nbsp;The&nbsp;things we&nbsp;do for Art...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can download </span><em><span style="font-size: large;">The Cubicle:</span> </em></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">UK eBook: </span><a href="http://goo.gl/WCK1h" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">http://goo.gl/WCK1h</span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> US eBook: </span><a href="http://goo.gl/UGdtG"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">http://goo.gl/UGdtG</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u>Read my 5 Star novel </u><em>Stench of Evil</em> as a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stench-of-Evil-ebook/dp/B006DY7EX8"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">Kindle eBook</span></a> or&nbsp;an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stench-Evil-Peter-Hough/dp/1463681453"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">Amazon paperback</span></a>&nbsp;&amp;</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> eBook</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"></div></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-78062351538369263252012-04-20T12:55:00.000+01:002012-07-17T10:23:51.121+01:00The day I met a Pendle witch<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lancashire is rich in tales of magic and sorcery, but the Pendle area is notorious for the witch trials of 1612. This August is the four hundredth anniversary since ten people accused of sorcery were hung in Lancaster Castle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The drama unfolded in 1595 when an old woman called 'Chattox' and her daughter Alizon were blamed for hexing to death Christopher Nutter and his son Robert. Chattox came into conflict with another family, also known for witchcraft. 'Old Demdike' and her extended family lived in Malkin Tower. People in the villages that skirt Pendle Hill had complained about them all for years, but it was not until 1612 that the authorities stepped in.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlNltrAG-E/T5FLr2t9zFI/AAAAAAAAAJc/MdfqivzzIxo/s1600/WITCHES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tlNltrAG-E/T5FLr2t9zFI/AAAAAAAAAJc/MdfqivzzIxo/s320/WITCHES.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On 18 March Alizon was near Trawden when she met a peddler called John Law. He refused to sell her some needles, so she cursed him. Law collapsed with a stroke, and when he recovered enough he accused Alizon of bewitchment. She went before Roger Nowell, a magistrate, and confessed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">She described her initiation into witchcraft by her grandmother, then implicated Chattox and Demdike. Many arrests were made, and they described how Satan had appeared to them, and&nbsp;that demons had helped them destroy their enemies. One victim was a child, killed using a clay image that had pins driven into it, there were other supernatural murders, livestock killings, graveyard robbings at Newchurch and milk and beer souring.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The case, which was very well documented at the time, left its mark on the area. These are different times, but there are still practising witches in the villages around Pendle Hill. I should know - I interviewed one many years ago. I'd been given a commission by the Editor-in-chief of <em>She</em> magazine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Would you like to write a piece for us, Peter," she said, "about modern witchcraft in Lancashire?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Of course I said 'yes', and her next remark was: "Well go and find some witches, and have the copy on my desk by next Friday!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I did a lot of digging around, and came up with some fascinating interviewees for my piece, including a senior Catholic priest for balance. One of my witches lived in Sabden at the time, although later she moved away. Yvonne wasn't the ugly&nbsp;fairy tale witch, nor old like Chattox and Demdike. She was a very attractive blond in her mid thirties.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Yvonne welcomed me into her stone cottage, and showed me her temple - a converted back room decorated with posters, photos and trinkets. There was a wooden table in the centre covered with occult symbols. On a piece of dark blue lurex sat a crystal ball and some Tarot cards. This was where she carried out her readings.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOfZz5tFYE0/T5FL6oXRe-I/AAAAAAAAAJk/TpCTBv-hpnM/s1600/SUPERLANCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOfZz5tFYE0/T5FL6oXRe-I/AAAAAAAAAJk/TpCTBv-hpnM/s320/SUPERLANCS.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I later wrote about the Lancashire witches in the<br />&nbsp;above book, available from my website</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"I knew&nbsp;from the age of five I was different from the other children," she told me. &nbsp;As far as religion is concerned, I was given a long leash, but&nbsp;my father, a retired army officer, had me educated in a convent. That didn't go down well with either the nuns or me! I worship the Irish mother goddess, Danu. The hill helps me a lot, I draw a lot of power from it."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pendle Hill was where George Fox had a visionary experience that resulted in him founding the Quaker movement in the 1640s.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I asked her how she got on with her neighbours. She laughed, and said she was friends with most people in the village, including the local vicar. She did note though that sometimes her behaviour could be given a sinister interpretation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"If one of my neighbours takes their dog for a walk up the hill - they're just taking their dog for a walk. If I do it there's tittle-tattle around the village that I've been up to something."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I saw Yvonne on one other occasion at her new home in Harwood. Then she moved elsewhere. Yvonne, where ever you are, I hope you're still raising tittle-tattle!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Read my paranormal thriller; <em>Stench of Evil</em> available only from Amazon:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</a></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span></u></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-9189995375885606182012-02-25T12:35:00.000+00:002012-07-16T19:03:38.845+01:00The Book That I Wrote - with a little help from my ghost writers...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Having produced 18 books on the 'unexplained', and now published my first novel: <em><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/peterhoughauthor/books/book-news">Stench of Evil</a></em>, if there is an area of human psychology that mystifies more than any other - it is how&nbsp;the&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">creative process works.</span>&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugH195_l5E4/Tz5fJa9sVSI/AAAAAAAAAI0/M_qLBM2kg5A/s1600/STEPHEN+KING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">﻿﻿</a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugH195_l5E4/Tz5fJa9sVSI/AAAAAAAAAI0/M_qLBM2kg5A/s1600/STEPHEN+KING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugH195_l5E4/Tz5fJa9sVSI/AAAAAAAAAI0/M_qLBM2kg5A/s1600/STEPHEN+KING.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Stephen King lets 'the back-room boys'</strong><br /><strong> sort out his literary problems</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Many fiction writers comment they don't know where their stories come from. Science Fiction author Isaac Asimov said the stories&nbsp;were already written - and he just plucked them out of the air. Stephen King&nbsp;explains that if he has a problem he leaves it a couple of days 'for the back-room boys to sort out'.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That's not true for all writers. My friend Professor Raymond Leonard, who has written several science fiction novels, approaches his writing in a very methodical and scientific manner.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">He has the plot and all the characters in advance, and even knows exactly how many chapters there will be. Ray then writes a synopsis for each chapter,&nbsp;and works from that, enlarging and creating the text.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">That's not how it works for me. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I had the seed for the plot of <em>Stench of Evil</em> (see my blog <em><a href="http://peterhoughblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/stench-of-evil-satanic-ritual-abuse.html">Stench of Evil - satanic ritual abuse</a></em>&nbsp;), three main characters and that was all. The thing had an organic growth of its own, to the extent that at times I felt it had its own&nbsp;life, and I was just a clerk writing it all down.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">It&nbsp;began while we were on the island of Gozo for a couple of weeks in a friends holiday home. The August heat was almost unbearable at mid-day, but the views across the bay to Comino were spectacular, and in the villages they were preparing for their annual firework festival. A perfect environment for writing. Linda spent most of the days&nbsp;scuba diving with a local club, and I was working on <em>Stench of Evil</em>. She'd return late afternoon and we' d walk down to the restaurants and bars in Qala. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I was about a third through the&nbsp;novel (although&nbsp;I didn't know that at the time) when&nbsp;I lost control of the story.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrYobPb6o5o/Tz5jJnLLXGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TLizN-vHCgg/s1600/BookCoverImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrYobPb6o5o/Tz5jJnLLXGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TLizN-vHCgg/s320/BookCoverImage.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>I lost control </strong><strong>to</strong><strong>&nbsp;some </strong><strong>minor&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>characters who got above themselves</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I would sit down at the blank screen, thinking I knew what I was going to write, but when the words dutifully fell onto the page they weren't the ones I was expecting. More than that there were&nbsp;several characters I had down for minor roles - who against my wishes&nbsp;promoted themselves into star players. It was as if they were saying: <em>If you think I'm just having a walk-on part you've got another think coming!</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This wasn't a one-day wonder - it&nbsp;carried on for the next 40,000 words or so&nbsp;- until once again I regained control. It was as if they were saying: <em>Okay, we've finished doing what we needed to do - you can have it back now.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The fascinating thing was that every decision they made, every plot change, every&nbsp;paragraph that was produced was exactly right. I couldn't have done better myself!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I'm not saying that I was producing 'automatic writing', that the story was 'channelled' through me by a spirit or demon (they might want a share of the royalties), but it was a strange experience, and if nothing else it highlights how much is going on in the unconscious mind, to the extent that it can over-ride what we consciously&nbsp;think.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I'm well into the sequel; <em><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/peterhoughauthor/books/the-devil-inside">The Devil Inside</a></em>, and so far&nbsp;my ghost writers&nbsp;haven't wrestled it from me. There's still some surprises when I write, but I don't feel the loss of control I had with <em>Stench of Evil</em>. Perhaps now they think I can be trusted to do a good job on my own -&nbsp;or maybe&nbsp;they're still there,&nbsp;rubbing shoulders with me, making changes here and there,&nbsp;hoping I'll believe it's all my own work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Read my paranormal thriller; <em>Stench of Evil</em> available only from Amazon:</strong></span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</a></div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /> <br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span></u></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-24151558339950510612012-01-31T17:30:00.000+00:002012-07-16T19:01:27.726+01:00The Search for Alethea Taylor<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpUATh99pek/TygVzxAR5HI/AAAAAAAAAIM/xMFRim_bIXk/s1600/ORLETON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpUATh99pek/TygVzxAR5HI/AAAAAAAAAIM/xMFRim_bIXk/s1600/ORLETON.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">When we went down to Ludlow recently for a caravanning break, we didn’t realise we would be involved in the search for a missing woman.<br /><br />&nbsp;Linda and I&nbsp;were staying on a farm on the edge of Orleton, a picturesque village in north Herefordshire. There are two pubs, a village hall and a shop and post office supported by the 800 or so residents. Two of those residents are Alethea and John Taylor who have a funeral services business.<br /><br /> A few days into our break we were alerted on the Thursday evening, 19 January, by the noise of a hovering helicopter. I went outside and saw a police helicopter above the houses, moving to and fro, obviously searching for someone. This went on for an hour or two.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGGUUwv7RXA/TygXOYZi17I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ESpCTHR4lQs/s1600/ALETHEA+TAYLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGGUUwv7RXA/TygXOYZi17I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ESpCTHR4lQs/s1600/ALETHEA+TAYLOR.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGGUUwv7RXA/TygXOYZi17I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ESpCTHR4lQs/s1600/ALETHEA+TAYLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">In the meantime we tuned into BBC Radio Hereford &amp; Worcester and learned that a woman had disappeared from Orleton earlier in the day. According to the reports, John Taylor left for work at around 8.30am and on his return in the late afternoon his wife had gone – although her car was still at home. When he couldn’t find her whereabouts, he called the police.<br /><br /> Apparently, I learned later, Mr Taylor was concerned because his wife had recently experienced two or three episodes where she would find herself in a place she didn’t recognise, with no&nbsp;idea as to who she was. It would seem she had wandered from home while in this altered state of consciousness. Fortunately on these occasions she had been re-united with her husband, and the amnesia had passed.<br /><br />I spoke to villagers who described Alethea as a pleasant, jolly person, who was a prompter for the&nbsp;current&nbsp;play&nbsp;being put on by&nbsp;the local amateur dramatic society. It seems these amnesiac events were isolated incidents which didn’t affect her usual daily life.<br /><br /> The following day we went walking up on Bircher Common and the woods above the village, accompanied by the police helicopter as it widened its search. We kept a special look-out and walked as far as the hill fort above Croft Castle, but found no clues to the missing woman.<br /><br />Over the weekend police dogs were out searching for her scent and the footpaths and hedgerows were investigated. Farmers were checking their outbuildings, and villagers looked in garages and garden sheds.<br /><br /> When I went for a Sunday paper from the village shop, I talked to a few locals, and everyone was mystified. We were due to travel home on Monday, but I had been told a search was being organised that morning, so we decided to stay an extra day and help.<br /><br />We arrived at the village hall to find it a hive of activity. About 80 villagers had turned up with police and members of Severn Area Rescue Association who were using inflatable boats to search ponds and lakes in the area.<br /><br /> After we had ‘signed in’ the volunteers were divided into four groups each with its own leader. Linda and I were in Andrew Summers’ group who owns the village shop. We travelled with him in his jeep and a convoy of cars to the starting point of our search – about two miles east of Orleton near the hamlet of Morton.<br /><br />Andrew was very well organised, which he put down to his involvement in the Sea Cadets! We stretched out in a single line and slowly walked across the fields. Over the course of the day we swept a number of fields and searched pockets of woodland for Mrs Taylor, or a shoe or item of clothing which might lead to her discovery. The only thing we&nbsp;found was an umbrella, which wasn’t linked to her.<br /><br /> We returned to the village hall at lunch time for a cup of tea and some sandwiches. The local BBC radio and television were also there, and they interviewed us, intrigued that we were from near Southport. Then we all went back to continue the search.<br /><br />During the hours we spent with the group we got to know many of them, and they were surprised to learn that we weren’t local. They were dedicated to finding Mrs Taylor and very thorough. Some of them knew her personally.<br /><br /> I would like to say that we found the missing woman, or that she had been&nbsp;discovered in the eight days since we left. After we had gone the search did continue for a time, and the lake at nearby Berrington Hall was also examined. Sadly Alethea Taylor seems to have vanished.&nbsp; <br /><br />There were three potential sightings of her on the day she disappeared – but these were not confirmed. The Herefordshire police have now passed on her details to other forces nationwide. Of the 350,000 people who go missing every year in the UK, 2,000 remain unaccounted for. For the moment at least, Alethea is one of these.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAJDGclWztY/TygiiDvhkSI/AAAAAAAAAIs/UZkEMZUc7K4/s1600/alethea+taylor+search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAJDGclWztY/TygiiDvhkSI/AAAAAAAAAIs/UZkEMZUc7K4/s1600/alethea+taylor+search.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">PS: Police issued a statement on 12/06/12 that a man in his sixties has been arrested on suspicion of murder. It was revealed the next day that it was John Taylor, Alethea's husband. He has since been accused.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><u>Read my paranormal thriller; <em>Stench of Evil</em> available only from Amazon:</u></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</a></div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /> <br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-51949725175219713202012-01-01T17:26:00.000+00:002012-01-02T12:50:47.507+00:00Stench of Evil: Satanic Ritual Abuse<span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">Most writers are asked: 'Where do you get your ideas from?' In the case of my novel <em>Stench of Evil,</em> its genesis was the satanic ritual abuse phenomenon in the 1980s and early 1990s that swept through many countries around the world, including the UK . </span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkomXWFBYrU/TwDdvAmaBGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/odUVQBSzknY/s1600/WITCHCRAFT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkomXWFBYrU/TwDdvAmaBGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/odUVQBSzknY/s1600/WITCHCRAFT.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif;">I wrote a book about it at the time called <em>Witchcraft - A Strange Conflict</em> which&nbsp;was based in part on&nbsp;interviews I carried out with some of the main players. These included a Church social worker, several witches, a senior Satanist, a prominent vicar, police officers, journalists&nbsp;and those who were alleged victims of SRA.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">People&nbsp;claimed that from childhood they were kept in cages and&nbsp;physically and sexually abused&nbsp;in Satanic rituals to raise demons from the underworld.&nbsp;Babies from unregistered births&nbsp;were sacrificed to Satan and members of the cults had apparently infiltrated the highest echelons of society.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The phenomenon first emerged in the USA, and after police officers and social workers came to the UK and conducted seminars for their counterparts&nbsp;it spread here. Children in Nottingham, Rochdale, Manchester and the Orkneys were taken from their parents who, it was suspected, were Satanists, and put into care while police investigations were carried out. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWGVfZsjXXY/TwDd0JFX-4I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZCy0gegYsz8/s1600/SRA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWGVfZsjXXY/TwDd0JFX-4I/AAAAAAAAAHs/ZCy0gegYsz8/s1600/SRA.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In true medieval tradition, some of these children implicated other adults and the&nbsp;contagion spread. Not only here but in Australia, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. In Manchester and Rochdale parents were prevented from sending their children&nbsp;Christmas and birthday cards - in case they contained 'trigger' words used to remotely control them.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When over a year later the cases finally came to court, they were thrown out from lack of evidence. Most of the children were returned to their parents - after being abused, some commentators said, by the very system that was meant to protect them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I spoke to a senior police officer about the lack of evidence. He commented: "It's true there was no concrete evidence, but both myself and other detectives got a strong feeling all through the investigation that something indeed <em>had</em> been going on."</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5et0NCAxVA/TwDd-BuMOII/AAAAAAAAAH0/NHKdBA8HFAI/s1600/BookCoverImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5et0NCAxVA/TwDd-BuMOII/AAAAAAAAAH0/NHKdBA8HFAI/s320/BookCoverImage.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Years later, this was the starting point for <em>Stench of Evil</em>. What if, I postulated, that officer was right, and the allegations were true, but they had been&nbsp;covered up. If it was true, what were the powers that lay behind it, and what were their ultimate ambitions?</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The story is pure fiction and set in the present day, but it is based on a very real witch hunt that gripped late 20th century society.</span><br /><br /><div><strong>Read my novel: 'Stench of Evil' - a supernatural thriller</strong></div><div>KINDLE ebook: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D341689031&amp;field-keywords=stench+of+evil&amp;x=18&amp;y=14" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=<wbr></wbr>nb_sb_noss?url=node%<wbr></wbr>3D341689031&amp;field-keywords=<wbr></wbr>stench+of+evil&amp;x=18&amp;y=14</a></div><div>AMAZON quality paperback: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stench-Evil-Peter-Hough/dp/1463681453/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322593326&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Stench-<wbr></wbr>Evil-Peter-Hough/dp/<wbr></wbr>1463681453/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_<wbr></wbr>main?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=<wbr></wbr>1322593326&amp;sr=1-1</a></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-91226043035583646892011-11-25T13:18:00.001+00:002012-07-17T10:24:42.744+01:00Stench of EvilI've just published my novel, <em><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/peterhoughauthor/books/book-news">Stench of Evil</a>,</em> on Amazon as a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&amp;field-keywords=stench+of+evil&amp;x=10&amp;y=17">Kindle download</a> and a quality <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stench-Evil-Peter-Hough/dp/1463681453/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322575776&amp;sr=1-1">paperback</a>.&nbsp;You won't find it in any book shop because I decided to give up on traditional publishers after trying and failing to get any of them to even view my new book. How is it that someone who has&nbsp;previously published 18 books, of which many sold foreign rights, newspaper serial rights and book club rights, found themselves in this position?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4mERyUkrIk/Ts-ohD5Qm4I/AAAAAAAAAG8/uGqzgMsI7xo/s1600/BookCoverImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4mERyUkrIk/Ts-ohD5Qm4I/AAAAAAAAAG8/uGqzgMsI7xo/s1600/BookCoverImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4mERyUkrIk/Ts-ohD5Qm4I/AAAAAAAAAG8/uGqzgMsI7xo/s200/BookCoverImage.jpg" width="129" /></a>In the last few years print publishers has made a fundamental change in how they&nbsp;solicit new books. Unless you're a celebrity, or are already a top-ten best selling author, they will&nbsp;no longer&nbsp;deal with you personally. They will only deal with you through an agent.<br /><br />I never needed an agent - even if I was approaching a publisher for the first time, after all that's someone else to dip into your advance and&nbsp;pocket their share. But now publishers have decided that's what you have to do - and it&nbsp;is all about saving money. If a publisher&nbsp;is relying on agents to sort the chaff from the wheat, they don't have to employ readers and support staff to handle queries from would-be authors. <br /><br />The problem is that there are far fewer agents than publishing companies. Most of them are one man or two man (or women) outfits, already with a full list of clients. Becoming a published author has always been an uphill struggle - but it's even harder now. A lot of very talented writers will give up after trying in vain to attract the attentions of an agent. There will be dozens of best sellers out there which will remain as a file on a PC, and will never see the light of day.<br /><br />Thankfully, for both published writers and newcomers, there is now another way. <br /><br />It costs virtually nothing to put your&nbsp;paperback on Amazon, and your ebook on Kindle - if you do all the technical stuff yourself. You retain the copyright, and the only niggle is that the paperback can only be purchased from Amazon.com and not Amazon UK. But you can use your credit card to pay in dollars, and it will take longer to ship, but that's all. Some authors who spent years having their work rejected are now selling very well on Amazon.<br /><br />I could have carried on in my attempts to find an agent, but even if I was successful, they would then have to get a publisher for my novel - and the fact of life is that from start to finish it can take months or more likely&nbsp;<em>years</em> before it is finally published. With Amazon it just takes days.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Read my paranormal thriller; <em>Stench of Evil</em> available only from Amazon:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><div><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</a></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback and Kindle ebook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></div></span></u></span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-76086764758393469872011-11-15T14:08:00.000+00:002011-11-15T14:08:40.043+00:0028 weeks later...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfOi-IFyc3o/ThWeTGKEklI/AAAAAAAAAF8/wuWeYWWYBEI/s1600/RAGE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfOi-IFyc3o/ThWeTGKEklI/AAAAAAAAAF8/wuWeYWWYBEI/s1600/RAGE+2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's almost 28 weeks since the Rage Virus spread through a large section of the voting public - and along with other colleagues -&nbsp;I lost my seat on Sefton Council.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">During my five years as a councillor I've always given 100%, refusing to sit on the wall when difficult decisions had to be made, and championing residents causes when they were&nbsp;the victim&nbsp;of council bureaucracy. I even got some policy changes made which benefited local people. My achievements, and those of my former ward colleagues, are a matter of record. Many residents appreciated the hard work I put in, and contacted me to give their personal thanks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So what happened on May 5th was that the Rage Virus turned people's heads towards central Government, and they wanted to send the Liberal Democrat coalition partners 'a message'.<em> No cuts!</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;They did that&nbsp;by voting for the candidates of the party that is responsible (along with the bankers) for the financial&nbsp;mess we're&nbsp;now in.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Well, that makes sense then. But you can't expect logic when people are infected with the Rage Virus. Ask Danny Boyle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We could let the economy go the way of Greece. They've already made cuts which are ten times higher than those being made by The Coalition - and are on the point of disappearing down a black hole. That's not to mention Italy and Spain.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The infected also wanted to send a message along the lines of: <em>You traitors - why have you gone into government with the anti-Christ!</em></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We could have let the Tories rule on their own. No doubt they would have won a second, autumn, election with a bigger, working majority, as the Millibands were still arguing over which of them was to be leader of the Labour Party. That would have been great. A right wing Tory government let loose on the country again - with no one to moderate them, and no implementation of Liberal Democrat policies like raising the tax threshold to £10,000 for the low paid or the extra £2.5 Billion funding for a million of the most disadvantaged pupils.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That makes sense too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Their message also included: <em>You reneged on your promise not to raise tuition fees!</em></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That does have my sympathy. It was mismanaged - but&nbsp;Labour (who introduced tuition fees to begin with) have since said they would raise them too - capped at £6000 - a huge increase from their position during the election, when Ed and his buddies said they only needed to be&nbsp;increased by just a few hundred pounds! After studying the small print, the National Union of Students have now said that the changes made by The Coalition are 'relatively progressive'. That's thanks to Clegg and other LibDem ministers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What was personally interesting for me, was how people reacted when I lost.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Several Labour councillors at the count shook my hand and said that it was not personal (having just shafted me!), and that I would be 'missed'. I received almost 60 emails from disappointed residents, plus letters, cards and phone calls.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While a number of my former LibDem colleagues contacted me to offer condolences - there were several others, who&nbsp;I thought&nbsp;I had a personal resonance with, who to this day (28 weeks later) have made no contact at all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Perhaps their reaction was a consequence of how some people have a problem in dealing with other people's grief. They don't know what to say - so it is best avoided. Or perhaps they just decided to write me off. I seem to have been deleted from some email lists.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That's politics I suppose. Life's a bitch and then you're deleted.</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-14498889415890459432011-09-30T08:55:00.001+01:002011-10-01T11:46:00.921+01:00Spontaneous Human Combustion<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I came back from France last Friday on the day that West Galway coroner Dr Ciaran McLoughlin ruled that Michael Faherty who had&nbsp;burned to ash had died by 'spontaneous human combustion'. What makes this doubly remarkable is that this is the first time that a coroner has publicly cited SHC as a cause of death.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Having written a <a href="http://www.halebooks.com/display.asp?K=9780709084020&amp;sf1=eh_cat_class&amp;st1=N100&amp;sf2=lcode&amp;st2=not 67531&amp;pge=hale&amp;ds=Mind, Body and Spirit&amp;m=10&amp;dc=44">book</a> on the subject with Jenny Randles in the 1990s, reprinted as a paperback in 2007, I was contacted by the <em><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2043500/Can-people-spontaneously-combust-The-Romans-Dickens-thought-As-given-cause-death-coroner-IS-truth.html">Daily Mail</a></em> who wanted me to work with them on a feature. What followed was the inevitable phone calls, emails, discussions, drafts and re-drafts until the piece was finally published today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Within the constraints of space I think the article is a good overview. I have no intentions of repeating it here - but there are one or two points I would like to enlarge upon.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvUw05EQQ2k/ToVphrgwJVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/G8eAuxC5Kjo/s1600/CREMULATOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvUw05EQQ2k/ToVphrgwJVI/AAAAAAAAAGg/G8eAuxC5Kjo/s320/CREMULATOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I discovered - even during cremation, bones remained, <br />which are then ground up in a cremulator (c. Peter Hough)</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The 'wick' or 'candle effect' suggests that in a closed airtight room a body can smoulder over 16 hours or more until it is reduced to ash. This was first demonstrated in a <em>QED</em> documentary broadcast in 1989, and has since become the favourite weapon of the sceptics. A hallmark of&nbsp;classic SHC is that even bones are reduced to ash - something that&nbsp; crematoria cannot achieve. Despite claims to the contrary, bones still remained in the&nbsp;pig used to demonstrate the theory. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We investigated <em>QED</em> and talked to&nbsp;several of the participants. Even the sceptics complained that the programme had been edited to make them appear more sceptical than they really were - and that the experiment &nbsp;was only partially successful. We were also told that the producers 'had an agenda'. There was a follow-up programme some years later, and taken at face value, it too was persuasive. But I'm afraid <em>QED</em> had blotted it's copybook - and as we didn't investigate this one,&nbsp;it is hard to comment further.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm not saying that the candle effect doesn't have its place as a partial explanation in some instances, but it is wrong to claim it is a 'catch all' for so-called SHC deaths. There are too many&nbsp;incidents which didn't occur in a sealed room, where the time frame was minutes rather than hours&nbsp;and where the victim survived to tell the tale. Then there are the cases that go beyond 'mundane' SHC and step into the realms of the paranormal - challenging even an open-minded soul like me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The cremated remains of Mr Flaherty was found near the fireplace - but it is&nbsp;unclear whether there was a lit fire or not. Coroner Dr McLoughlin would have thought very carefully before coming to his conclusion - indeed he carried out extensive research first. Perhaps different explanations are required for the gamut of mysterious fire deaths that we put under the umbrella of 'spontaneous human combustion'.</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-88502287600204460902011-04-20T09:52:00.001+01:002011-04-20T09:55:35.004+01:00Confessions of a canvasser...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We've been doing quite a lot of doorstep canvassing over the last few weeks, and on the whole we've received a very good response. There's almost 6,000 households in Victoria Ward though, so we can't get around to everyone.&nbsp;We have been pleasantly surprised by how many residents do actually read our <em>Focus</em> newsletter - and find it informative too. They also appreciate the hard work we've put in.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">However, one thing you learn with canvassing, is that not everyone loves you!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I knocked on one door, and introduced myself to the gentleman standing there, then held out my hand. He looked at it and curled his lip.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"I don't shake hands with politicians," he said, looking me up and down as if I was a piece of dirt.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You don't argue with someone like that, you just turn and walk away. Which is what I did. What&nbsp;I felt like saying&nbsp;was:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"It's okay,&nbsp;I've washed my hands, and I don't have any contagious diseases. If you want to stick labels on me I'm also a husband,&nbsp;father, son, professional writer, walker, cyclist and a caravanner. Perhaps you wouldn't shake hands with any of them either?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What a nice man - I bet he goes down&nbsp;a hoot&nbsp;at dinner parties.</span><br /><br />﻿ <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqqy01OFNbM/Ta6aoYCRiKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/0Yxxp0Jhr9M/s1600/VOTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqqy01OFNbM/Ta6aoYCRiKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/0Yxxp0Jhr9M/s1600/VOTE.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One way to persuade men to vote</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;- we use <em>Focus</em></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>﻿<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I don't mind the people who say they're voting for another candidate, or party. What does wind me up are people who proudly boast: "I&nbsp;don't vote." Or, "I don't bother voting in the local elections - they're not important."</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Imagine writing out a cheque, for say, £1,500, without exercising any say or influence on how that money will be spent? That's what the 'no voters' do every year when they pay their council tax. Weird!</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The subject of not voting came up on the doorstep with a lady who made the valid point that "women have died to give&nbsp;me the vote." I also reminded her of the people in Third World countries who walk for miles, and queue for days to elect their leaders. Then,&nbsp;I have to admit I got a bit carried away (which&nbsp;I sometimes do), and added:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"It would serve the 'no voters' right if a fascist government were elected, and they were the first to be put up against a wall and shot!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A bit extreme, but you get my drift?</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-2752542412394247172011-04-15T11:29:00.001+01:002011-04-20T10:03:49.326+01:00The day we met Norman Lamb, over a hog-roast...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I must admit that&nbsp;the day&nbsp;we met Norman Lamb, we didn't know who he was. What a difference a few years make.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Iain Brodie Browne in his </span><a href="http://birkdalefocus.blogspot.com/2011/04/norman-lamb-big-question-not-why-he.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> was asking why&nbsp;the LibDem North Norfolk MP&nbsp;wasn't given the Health Minister's job - after Andrew Lansley was ordered by Cameron to 'pause' the Health &amp; Social Care Bill for&nbsp;two months&nbsp;consultation and reflection. </span></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lamb, an acknowledged expert on the NHS, has publicly opposed the handing over of the NHS budget to GPs. The wounded Tory minister now looks inept and doesn't have the backing of nurses, after their vote of &nbsp;'no confidence'. That's why the web is alive with twitterings saying that Lamb would make a far better job. Ironic then, that it was Lansley who blocked Lamb from having a ministerial job in his department during the coalition negotiations.</span></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was the summer of 2005, just a couple of months after the General Election, and we were caravanning in Norfolk. When we're away, we like to attend local community events. We'd spotted a poster outside a care home saying that they were having a fund-raising garden fete on Saturday, and that 'Norman Lamb MP' was opening it.</span></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We thought that was our kind of thing, and indeed it proved to be the case. There were stalls selling all sorts of things from local beer to paintings by Norfolk artists, knitted animals, food&nbsp;and cheeses. Traditional games were evident too; smack the rat, hook a duck, hoopla and there was a coconut shy.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What was different about this traditional English garden fete, which at the same time enhanced it, was that the Asian staff were turned out in their 'Sunday best'. The women wore very colourful saris, and the men were resplendent in sarongs and kurtas. These young people were very caring towards their patients who obviously had psychological and physiological problems.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As soon as we were there, Linda spotted the home made cake stall and headed straight for it. After buying a large chocolate cake, I decided to take it to the car for safe keeping (from Linda). I arrived back just as the manager of the home was introducing Norman Lamb.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Norman&nbsp;was dressed smart but casual, in a jacket&nbsp;and open neck shirt. As he spoke in an easy and entertaining style, we speculated which party he represented. We knew it was historically a&nbsp;Conservative part of the country, but that we had made an impact over recent years. Certainly the MP didn't <em>look</em> like a Tory, and he didn't <em>sound</em> like one either... so if it didn't look like a duck, and didn't quack like one - then perhaps it wasn't one?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After the opening speech, I approached one of the senior staff, and asked her who he was. A smile beamed across her face, and she explained he was their Liberal Democrat MP. She said they were genuinely delighted when he accepted the invitation to open the fete, because, she explained: "This is only a modest event, and we didn't think he would be interested in coming along!"</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSjL9tmARJA/TagaHjbF7eI/AAAAAAAAAD8/rr5udx3DvAA/s1600/PIG+ROAST.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSjL9tmARJA/TagaHjbF7eI/AAAAAAAAAD8/rr5udx3DvAA/s320/PIG+ROAST.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Vegetarians turn away - Linda&nbsp;checking the hog-roast</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Norman spent over one and a half hours talking to people, and having a go at some of the games. We were hovering by the pig roast when he came over and ordered some pork in a bun together with the delicious stuffing and apple sauce. He turned to us, and&nbsp;we introduced ourselves as Liberal Democrats from Crosby near Southport. His eyes lit up.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"What are you doing here?" He asked.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Well, I said, "we heard you were opening the fete and hopped on the train."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was at that point&nbsp;I discovered that people standing nearby had been listening in, because they all laughed. After a long chat, he said:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Give my regards to John Pugh, we were both elected for the first time in 2001, and have become friends."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He was still shaking his head in amazement, that out of all the garden fetes in all the world, we should have turned up there...</span></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-32314819081780991582011-04-12T10:34:00.000+01:002011-04-12T10:34:16.237+01:00There I was, just minding my own business...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's not every day I get a public dressing down, but at last Wednesday's planning meeting in Bootle Town Hall, that's what happened.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was a heavy agenda, with several petitions, so the public area was packed. We were dealing with an application for War Games activities at the back of Shorrocks Hill Country Club. The lady who had presented a petition against the application was being questioned by Formby Tory councillor, Barry Griffiths. In true Barry style, his questions&nbsp;seemed more like prompts, designed to encourage the petitioner to make the most of her case.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK2GBgyZUUs/TaMpzZJPdaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/3Ex_lMI9yRA/s1600/PAUL+TWEED.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK2GBgyZUUs/TaMpzZJPdaI/AAAAAAAAAD4/3Ex_lMI9yRA/s1600/PAUL+TWEED.bmp" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cllr Paul Tweed gave me</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a public dressing down</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My colleague, Cllr Jim Byrne, made loud comments to this effect to Cllr John Dodd on his left. Unfortunately, I was sitting on&nbsp;Jim's right. My nose was in the agenda when the Labour Chair, Cllr Paul Tweed, &nbsp;reacted to what Jim had said:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"You are wrong, these are questions, and we need to hear the answers. <em>And councillor Hough, don't interrupt the proceedings again - you should know better than that!</em>"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At that point I looked up and said indignantly: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Excuse me Cllr Tweed, I haven't said a word!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jim put up his hand like a naughty school boy and said. "It was me!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The officers, particularly Andy Wallis, the out-going Planning Director,&nbsp;were doing their best not to break out into laughter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Paul quickly apologised and we moved on.&nbsp; A few minutes later Peter Cowley, Sefton's Principal Solicitor, appeared at my side with a hastily written apology from Paul. I can only assume that Peter had warned him I might sue for defamation of character if he didn't put it in writing. I looked across at Paul and smiled.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After the meeting, somewhat embarrassed, he repeated the apology. I told him not to worry, we all make mistakes, and was it okay if I printed&nbsp;his apology&nbsp;in <em>Focus</em>?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This time there was loud laughter from several officers.</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-11217866919288621512011-04-11T15:17:00.000+01:002011-04-11T15:17:26.442+01:00Do you fancy a Scafell blond?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'</em>, wrote hotel caretaker Jack Torrance, before trying to sort out his wife and son with an axe, in Kubrick's film of the Stephen King novel; <em>The Shining</em>.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not wishing to end up like Torrance (<em>Honey, I'm home!</em>), I thought a few days break from all the electioneering would be spiritually uplifting. And so it was.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH9pUolLPpo/TaMMPinao8I/AAAAAAAAAD0/yrq9kNAAsxM/s1600/BOWSCALE+FELL.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH9pUolLPpo/TaMMPinao8I/AAAAAAAAAD0/yrq9kNAAsxM/s1600/BOWSCALE+FELL.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Us on a sunny Bowscale Fell</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linda and I (and the cat)&nbsp;dragged the caravan up the M6 to a lovely little site by the River Caldew near Hesket Newmarket in the northern Lakes. There we were joined by Cllr Mike Booth, his wife Clare and their pooch.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hesket Newmarket was featured on <em>Country File</em> last year when John Craven visited The Old Crown which was Britain's first pub to become a cooperative. Prince Charles called&nbsp;in too a couple of years ago. To save it from closure, over a 100 locals bought shares in the pub - which has it's own micro-brewery. It produces such&nbsp;beers as Doris' 90th Birthday Ale and&nbsp;Scafell Blond. I know which one I prefer!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mountaineer Chris Bonnington also lives&nbsp;nearby - and we bumped into him last time we visited, up on the fells. I remember it well. We were wearing all our outdoor gear, with heavy rucksacks stuffed with waterproofs, drinks and butties - and he walked past bidding us good day, wearing just a jacket and slacks!</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This time the weather was glorious, and we did two cracking walks. On Friday we climbed up Carrock Fell, and refreshed ourselves in the pub on the way back. That evening (knowing a good thing when we see it) we returned for a very reasonably priced meal and more of that ale. Saturday saw us climbing about 2000 feet onto Bowscale Fell. It was a hard slog, but the views were terrific! We finished the day with a barbecue and a glass or two of wine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The simple pleasures are the best.&nbsp;</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-47738278554890894622011-03-31T12:13:00.001+01:002011-04-11T16:09:32.952+01:00Sense and incensed-ability<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was a very interesting letter in yesterday's <em>Daily Post</em> from the Labour leader of Liverpool City Council. It is about the cuts he is having to make, and shows maturity and a sense of responsibility.&nbsp;I have reproduced it below, and it is worth reading in its entirety.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What a contrast then to the&nbsp;dangerous antics of&nbsp;Sefton's Labour group. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They refused to take part in setting the council's budget, which involved the painful process of reducing jobs and services&nbsp;to the tune of £44 million - even though they are claiming £1000s in extra allowances for being on Sefton's ruling cabinet. <em>They even voted against a 25% cut in senior and middle management. </em>This has incensed many people on the doorstep.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They have played to the gallery at every turn, made promises they cannot keep and&nbsp;emotionally manipulated young people and the disabled for their political goals. Labour leader Peter Dowd took great delight in publicly likening himself to Derek Hatton. </span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0wYePtP9zU/TZRRmYY1uBI/AAAAAAAAADw/J6bbFJrpIy0/s1600/HATTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0wYePtP9zU/TZRRmYY1uBI/AAAAAAAAADw/J6bbFJrpIy0/s1600/HATTON.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sefton's Labour leader has compared</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;himself to Derek Hatton</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hatton was the Deputy Leader of Liverpool Council, and a member of the Militant Tendency - a&nbsp;&nbsp;Trotskyist organisation within the Labour Party.&nbsp;He helped set an illegal budget which committed the council to spend £30 million in excess of its Government grant. This brought Liverpool to it's knees, and Hatton and his cronies sent out redundancy notices by taxi cab to council workers.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The only way Sefton Labour could keep to it's promise of 'no cuts' would be to raise council tax by an average of £427.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Heaven help us then if&nbsp;Sefton Labour Party&nbsp;ever gain control of&nbsp;the Council.</strong></em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>Liverpool Council Labour Leader Joe Anderson's letter:</u></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'PEOPLE have written letters recently asking me not to implement the<br />Government’s cuts and calling me a Tory. Let me enlighten those that<br />make those points and criticise.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is no such thing as not implementing the government cuts.<br />Government gives the city 80% of its funding through different types of<br />grant. They have chosen to give Liverpool a 22% or £91m reduction. They<br />simply have not given us the money.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If someone’s household income is reduced by 22%, then they can’t just<br />ignore this, or they’d go bankrupt. If the city ignored its cut from<br />the Government, then quite simply we would run out of money by November<br />of this year, with no money to run social services or pay wages. That<br />chaos will not happen under my leadership.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Readers will see that those who call my leadership weak have no<br />solutions or alternatives other than demand I lead a revolution.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our city more than ever needs sound, pragmatic leadership, with the<br />honesty to say we haven’t got all the answers but we have got the<br />passion and vision in equal measures to lead our city through these<br />difficult times.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our determination is to create growth through having a cruise liner<br />turn-around facility, building a new exhibition centre at Kings Dock,<br />developing Edge Lane retail park, pushing ahead with Liverpool Waters,<br />getting on with the Stonebridge cross development in Croxteth and Mere<br />Park in the city centre, developments in Speke, developing north<br />Liverpool, growing the knowledge economy, the visitor economy and much<br />more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is about this city council leading and developing our city – not<br />leaving its people without leadership at a time when it faces the worst<br />government cuts since the war.'</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-23744422649262693642011-03-28T11:23:00.000+01:002011-03-28T11:23:23.270+01:00Animal Farm<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There were two callers on Radio Merseyside this morning taking part in a discussion on stereotyping. They complained&nbsp;they were discriminated against on their trip to London for the demonstrations, because they were 'scousers'. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What emerged though was that both these men (one a retired trade unionist) <em><strong>had travelled by first class rail, &nbsp;paid for by the unions</strong></em>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It would have been bad enough if these men were union officials, but it seems there was no pecking-order, and&nbsp;there were first class coaches stuffed with ordinary&nbsp;members and their families. I also learned that many of the 'demonstrators' did an hour or so then went off sight seeing.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfiqd8KLCdA/TZBfqtg9H8I/AAAAAAAAADs/8cHPmrlShK4/s1600/ANIMAL+FARM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfiqd8KLCdA/TZBfqtg9H8I/AAAAAAAAADs/8cHPmrlShK4/s1600/ANIMAL+FARM.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Was the first class rail fare a sweetener to persuade people to take part? It's not bad, is it? A freebie trip in first class style to the capital to demonstrate against government cuts, and a visit to Madame Tussuad's and the Tower of London for afters!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Many moons ago, I was a member of USDAW, and I would have been appalled that my hard earned cash was being used to fund a posh jolly aimed at supporting the Labour Party. Not all trade union members vote Labour. If I was one of them I would be demanding to know how much it all cost, and why demonstrators had to travel first class by the coach load.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Last week we learned&nbsp;from the <em>Crosby Herald</em>&nbsp;that Mark Dowd, Labour member for St Oswald Ward, one of the most deprived areas in Sefton -&nbsp;is the most expensive councillor on Merseyside, drawing £63,044 in allowances. It's good work if you can get it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is pure hypocrisy for these people to bleat on about government cuts when they themselves are living the life of Riley.</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-84347048862077158692011-03-25T14:53:00.002+00:002011-03-26T08:39:17.194+00:00Customer care-less<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have to admit that I don't use my cheque book like I used to. But that doesn't mean I could do without it. There are times when a cheque will do and nothing else. </span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aBnDK5w9YTk/TYyq_V0PQII/AAAAAAAAADk/LAkUms4N2P0/s1600/denbigh+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aBnDK5w9YTk/TYyq_V0PQII/AAAAAAAAADk/LAkUms4N2P0/s320/denbigh+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We often stay on farms - where a cheque is ideal</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sending money with a birthday card is one example. Who would be mad enough to put a couple of tenners in an envelope? When we go caravanning, we often stay on small 5 van sites, which are usually farms or half an acre at the side of someone's cottage. Unless you're stuffed with cash, a cheque book is the only way to pay your site fees.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is scandalous then that the banks are planning to start the process to abolish cheques, in 2016. They say that cheques are in terminal decline, but as a nation we are writing 4 million a day - so there's obviously still a great demand.<br /><br />If they get their way it will leave the elderly, small businesses, charities and social clubs high and dry.<br /><br />The electronic alternatives of using the Internet or debit and credit cards will hit charities with a double whammy of a drop in donations and high processing charges. It's all about choice - and not everyone wants to set-up direct debits.<br /><br />Without the choice of using a cheque, small businesses will receive payments mainly through credit cards - with their rip-off bank charges. And what of social clubs and societies who like to take their subscriptions by cheque?<br /><br />Age Concern and Help The Aged have voiced worries that elderly people, robbed by the banks of their cheque books, will resort to hoarding cash at home, which will encourage burglary.<br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LkhEJSktx78/TYytYxaxprI/AAAAAAAAADo/WrzUaGsfdIw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 210px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 168px;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LkhEJSktx78/TYytYxaxprI/AAAAAAAAADo/WrzUaGsfdIw/s200/001.JPG" width="173" /></a><br />We are running a campaign to get the Prime Minister to put pressure on the banks, and I am collecting signatures on a petition in our area.<br /><br />There has been a petition in our Focus newsletters delivered in Victoria Ward and Manor Ward, and we have received hundreds of signatures. We have decided to print the petition again in the next issue of the Victoria Ward Focus. If there is anyone from outside the area who would like to add their names - I can email them a petition for them to print, sign and return. Give me your contact details below by pressing COMMENTS.<br /><br />When are the banks going to serve the needs of the customer - and not themselves? When will they get it?</span></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-17291907474475199882011-03-22T17:11:00.001+00:002011-03-22T20:45:25.620+00:00We need to be smart - and look after the pennies<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At last month's Area Committee Meeting members agreed to fund 'smartwater' technology from our devolved budget for streets that were&nbsp;targets for burglars. The police had&nbsp;done a deal&nbsp;with the manufacturers to supply the kits at a reduced price.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Smartwater is an invisible liquid with a unique code for each kit that is painted on property, so stolen goods can be linked to a particular address. It can also transfer itself to thieves so they can be&nbsp;forensically connected&nbsp;to the crime.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The police later asked for further funding to place signs on lamp posts similar to those produced for the Neighbourhood Watch, &nbsp;to act as a deterrent.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The signs&nbsp;cost £20 each - but the Council's contractor <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zOSib6UP5uw/TYjXaKzcwNI/AAAAAAAAADg/2CTxFn7Dv50/s1600/PENNIES.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zOSib6UP5uw/TYjXaKzcwNI/AAAAAAAAADg/2CTxFn7Dv50/s1600/PENNIES.bmp" /></a>wanted £35 to attach each one to a lamp post! As they were made from polypropylene, I was told all they required were two plastic ties. I kicked up a fuss, and it turns out the quote&nbsp;included unsuitable metal bands. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Further negotiation between the Council and the contractor brought the price down to £20 per sign. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This saved the council a few hundred pounds - which might&nbsp;not sound a huge amount in the scale of things - but that's only one example of how money can be saved - or rather not spent needlessly in the first place. If you look after the pennies, then the pounds will look after themselves.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The council needs to do what every householder already&nbsp;practices - not tie itself to one company - and ring around for the best prices when a quote seems too high.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the past councils have been taken advantage of&nbsp;by contractors who believed they were bottomless money pits. Those times are gone, and council officials need to drive a harder bargain in future negotiations.</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-90321801655578403502011-03-12T14:29:00.001+00:002011-03-14T17:40:34.155+00:00Sainsbury's won't appeal - but aren't offering any alternatives either<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sainsbury's representatives&nbsp;have been in touch with me to announce they will not be appealing the decision of Sefton's planning committee last September to throw out their proposed £50 million investment in Crosby Village. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is likely they would have won an appeal - landing Crosby's council tax payers a bill of as much as £180,000. The fact they haven't&nbsp;speaks volumes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Sadly they are not offering any alternatives either</em>. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On paper they&nbsp;still have the choice of walking away altogether, or offering something new. They are even considering selling off their land in the village, bringing down the final curtain.&nbsp;I was told that there was no time-table for a final decision, and I got the strong impression Crosby&nbsp;has&nbsp;been shoved onto the back-burner,&nbsp;that they now have other fish to fry.&nbsp;Since their offer was turned down, they have been looking at several hundred other sites in the North West, with a view to spending their cash elsewhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Never say never, but this is devastating news for our town centre. I said at the time when I and my colleagues supported the investment, that I didn't want to gamble&nbsp;away Crosby's future.&nbsp;The Formby Tory and Bootle Labour councillors who voted together&nbsp;to kick the investment out may have done just that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Good riddance</em>, some people will say -&nbsp;those who&nbsp;didn't like the modern look of the&nbsp;new store, and wanted something smaller -&nbsp;but&nbsp;the town&nbsp;desperately needed this investment, and the company was offering new retail units for small businesses, and an attractive shopping environment. At this time of cuts, it would have been Crosby's silver lining.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div>﻿﻿﻿﻿ ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It gives me no pleasure at all to say that I think we read the situation better than those councillors who rejected the plans. There never was a plan 'B', and Sainsbury's made it abundantly clear that they wouldn't get back their investment with a smaller store. Senior planning officers were strongly recommending that&nbsp;council members&nbsp;accept the proposal. </span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There had been 18 months of public consultation and compromise on both sides. For instance, the company removed the filling station from their plans and replaced it with a building for community use, after listening to residents and local councillors.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5rbe1tQVb0w/TXp0RxDXusI/AAAAAAAAADc/GuaAkadD3j4/s1600/GAMBLING+MEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5rbe1tQVb0w/TXp0RxDXusI/AAAAAAAAADc/GuaAkadD3j4/s200/GAMBLING+MEN.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Planning Committee</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">﻿﻿﻿﻿</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We should have grabbed that opportunity and embraced this once in a generation offer&nbsp;- it was the only game in town. There are, and never were,&nbsp;any other investors waiting to step in.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I feel sorry for﻿﻿ those traders who stuck out their necks to support the plan, despite&nbsp;the pressure from protesters. </span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>The councillors who voted against it need to examine their consciences.</strong></em> </span></div></div>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-43172699172624165232011-03-01T14:22:00.001+00:002014-01-01T18:19:37.634+00:00Domesticated cats and dogs are social parasites<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I was studying for my psychology degree as a mature student, there was one lecture which stuck in my mind. The subject matter was grief, how it affects people, and what coping strategies could be employed to mitigate it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The lecturer turned the subject matter towards our anthropomorphism of animals - how we interpret their behaviour in human terms. To kick off the debate he came out with the following statement:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Domesticated cats and dogs are social parasites."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This wasn't an emotional reaction on his part but a bald statement of facts. </span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6bJCqn6EAxQ/TW0ABc9eL6I/AAAAAAAAADY/_NK3bMj8BQc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6bJCqn6EAxQ/TW0ABc9eL6I/AAAAAAAAADY/_NK3bMj8BQc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this a social parasite?</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Over generations, he explained, cats and dogs had learned how to manipulate our emotional response towards them, so we will give them the life of Riley,&nbsp;and all they have to do is eat and sleep. They have learned to do this by behaving like kittens and puppies for the whole of their lives. They&nbsp;worked out that if they roll over so we can tickle their stomachs, miaow and whimper, it will elicit a parental response.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And you see it with pet lovers. The pets become their children, and cats and dogs are more than happy to play along for the benefits they get in return.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've seen this with my own cat. When she wants feeding, she rolls over and miaows like the little kitten she isn't. I tickle her stomach then go and open a can of food. Cat's happy, I'm happy, but according to my lecturer it's all based on a lie! She doesn't really love me, she's just manipulating me for what she can get. I'm sure that if&nbsp;I was to disappear today the cat wouldn't give a hoot - as long as there was someone else to step into my shoes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thinking about all this reminded me of a book of linked short stories by Ray Bradbury called <em>The Martian Chronicles</em>. The book is concerned about the human settlement of Mars. In one of the stories, an elderly couple have come to&nbsp;the red planet&nbsp;to escape the death of their son, Tom, many years before. They are startled one night to see their teenage son standing outside in a thunderstorm. This is one of the few surviving martians&nbsp;who can read human minds and shape-shift. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The couple accept the martian into their home, and in exchange he takes on the role of their much loved son.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm sure my cat can read my mind, but she hasn't mastered how to shape-shift yet. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b></b></u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><b>Read my paranormal thriller; <i>Stench of Evil</i> only from Amazon:</b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">UK paperback &amp; e<span style="font-size: x-small;">B</span>ook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/5s6HU"><span style="color: #a6ad1f;">http://goo.gl/5s6HU</span></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">US paperback &amp; eBook</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/7JYgG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">http://goo.gl/7JYgG</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Can be downloaded to Kindle, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android devices, PC, and Mac</span></span></span></div></span><br />Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057754116986156847.post-39837745970473702192011-02-24T17:01:00.001+00:002011-02-24T17:02:17.083+00:00If you ask a silly question...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Why is it that if you're a politician, you're not meant to have a sense of humour? You can be dour, sarcastic, critical and can slag off your opponents - which is all right apparently. But you can't make flippant remarks that are intended to raise a smile. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Even at the local level you daren't make humorous remarks in case they're misconstrued or quoted out of context (although I did slip up last night while chairing the Crosby Area Committee, and made <em>two</em> humouress remarks. Thank goodness there wasn't any journalists present!)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Remarks made by Nick Clegg, who does have a sense of humour, have been seized upon by the media and Labour politicians who chose to take them seriously.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z12oQjt3ygs/TWaOKdv7QJI/AAAAAAAAADU/7Zx9gf9Rqd8/s1600/NICK+CLEGG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z12oQjt3ygs/TWaOKdv7QJI/AAAAAAAAADU/7Zx9gf9Rqd8/s1600/NICK+CLEGG.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When asked by a journalist before an interview if he was in charge while Cameron was abroad, Nick replied:&nbsp;"Yeah, I suppose I am. I forgot about that."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In my book, if you ask a silly question, you get a silly answer.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Even those commentators who accept that it was just a throw away line, have puffed out their chests in mock indignation and have said how dare the Deputy Prime Minister joke when there are British oil workers stranded in Libya.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hang on a minute - those oil workers know the risks involved in working in the Middle East. They go there because of the huge tax-free sums they're paid. I hope the rich oil companies who employ them are going to refund the British tax payer for bringing them back safely.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For goodness sake, let's not let the PC brigade ban our British sense of humour altogether!</span>Peter Houghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09220206139327638522noreply@blogger.com0